16
Feb
2016
By Calvin at 14:53 GMT, 9 years ago
Police are appealing for information after a high value burglary occurred at a house on Main Road, Otterbourne.
It happened between 6.50 and 7.40pm on Thursday, February 11.
A rear patio door was smashed to gain entry and a safe was stolen from inside the property containing high value items of jewellery.
Police staff investigator Scott Buchan of Northern Investigation team said: "The items of jewellery have great sentimental value.
"Were you in the area on Thursday evening? Did you see any suspicious activity or vehicles driving away at speed?"
Anyone with information is asked to contact PSI Scott Buchan in Northern Investigations on 101 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111
TCPW Comment: I’ve republished this appeal for Hampshire Constabulary because the incident refers to the fact that a safe was stolen from the premises. Although it is not unusual to read about safes being removed from the scene the incident serves as a reminder to us all that if we use a reasonably substantial safe at home or at work then it’s meant to be bolted into the ground/wall, both.
A decent free-standing safe (bad description, that) will have a fixing hole in the floor to allow you to bolt the thing down. Ideally you’ll want to bolt it into a concrete floor. Mine is bolted down in this way and because the bolt can only be accessed when the safe is open it makes it very difficult indeed for the thief to take it away. Obviously the thieves like to remove them so they can work on them later in some other place where they won’t be disturbed. Remeber too that if it took two men to install the thing for you then it will only take two men to take it away again!
Do please remember this important security point about safes and be aware that if your insurer has required you to have one they may also have made it a condition that it is installed professionally, and is fixed to the floor. Master Locksmiths know about safes and will know exactly how and where to install them.
Source Hampshire Constabulary: http://www.hampshire.police.uk/internet/news-and-appeals/2016/february/140216-burglary-otterbourne-+44160063070
